Fume hood having a sliding door

ABSTRACT

A fume hood includes a plurality of walls. In one embodiment, the fume hood has a ceiling substantially perpendicular to a first wall of the plurality of walls and an L-shaped sliding door having a lower portion substantially parallel to the first wall and an upper portion substantially perpendicular to the lower portion. The fume hood also has at least one actuator configured to move the L-shaped sliding door between an open position and a closed position. In other embodiments, the door may have different shapes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a fume hood. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a fume hood for an enclosed work station.

BACKGROUND

Fume hoods are used in laboratories, manufacturing environments, and other locations where technicians work with materials that generate fumes. A fume hood may take the form of an enclosure over a work station having a plurality of walls, and be adapted for connection to a suitable air discharge system. A fume hood may include a duct or an aperture for venting gasses from the enclosed area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fume hood includes a plurality of walls. In one embodiment, the fume hood has a ceiling substantially perpendicular to a first wall of the plurality of walls and an L-shaped sliding door having a lower portion substantially parallel to the first wall and an upper portion substantially perpendicular to the lower portion. The fume hood also has at least one actuator configured to move the L-shaped sliding door between an open position and a closed position. In other embodiments, the door may have different shapes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a single component. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fume hood attached to an exemplary work station;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a fume hood 200;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a door for a fume hood;

FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a frame for the fume hood 200;

FIG. 4B is a detail view of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fume hood 500; and

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a frame for the fume hood 500.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary work station 100 having a plurality of walls W and one embodiment of a time hood 200 mounted thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls W of the work station 100 define two work areas. The fume hood 200 is mounted to four walls, forming first and second enclosed work areas E₁, E₂. The first enclosed work area E₁ is accessible by a first door D₁ in a first opening of a wall W, and the second enclosed work area E₂ is accessible by a second door D₂ in a second opening of the wall W. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second doors D₁, D₂ are bi-fold doors. However, it should be understood that pivoting, sliding, or rotating doors may be used.

The fume hood 200 may be employed on a work station having any number of walls and any number of work areas. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a fume hood may be dimensioned to enclose a single work area. In another embodiment (not shown), a fume hood may be dimensioned to enclose three or more work areas. In still another alternative embodiment (not shown), a work station may include two or more fume hoods.

In the illustrated embodiment, the work station 100 is an automated welding station that may also be referred to as a work cell. One welding operation may be performed in the first enclosed work area E₁ by a robot, while preparation for a next welding operation is performed by an operator in the second enclosed work area E₂. The operator may be a human or a robot.

It should be understood, however, that the fume hood 200 is not limited to use in a welding environment. The fume hood 200 may be employed on any manufacturing or laboratory workstation, or in any other environment in which a fume hood is desired.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the fume hood 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the fume hood 200 is a rectangular cuboid having a ceiling 210 that is substantially perpendicular to a plurality of walls, including a front wall 220, a rear wall (not shown), a left wall (not shown), and a right wall 230. However, it should be understood that the fume hood 200 may have a circular or oval base, a triangular base, or a base of any geometric shape. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the fume hood has a tapered front. In other alternative embodiments, the fume hood may have tapered sides or a tapered rear.

In one embodiment, the fume hood 200 has a width of 125.5 inches (319 centimeters), a height of 38 inches (97 centimeters), and a depth of 92 inches (234 centimeters). In other embodiments, the fume hood 200 has a width between 30-300 inches (76-762 centimeters), a height between 4-100 inches (10-254 centimeters), and depth between 30-300 inches (76-762 centimeters). However, such dimensions should not be taken as limiting, as the fume hood may have any dimension needed.

The fume hood 200 further includes a first aperture 240 and a second aperture 250. Each of the first and second apertures 240, 250 is disposed in the front wall 220 and extends into the ceiling 210. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second apertures 240, 250 extends to a bottom of the front wall 220. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the first and second apertures 240, 250 only extend partially down the front wall 220.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the first and second apertures 241), 250 are positioned such that they will be located above first and second openings (and first and second doors D₁, D₂) in a wall W of a work station 100. In one embodiment, each of the first and second apertures 240, 250 has a width of 24 inches (61 centimeters), a height of 38 inches (97 centimeters), and a depth of 48 inches (122 centimeters) extending back from the front wall 220 into the ceiling 210. In alternative embodiment, each of the first and second apertures 240, 250 has a width between 4-72 inches (10-183 centimeters), a height between 4-100 inches (10-254 centimeters), and a depth between 4-100 inches (10-254 inches). However, such dimensions should not be taken as limiting, as the apertures may have any dimension needed.

The fume hood 200 further includes a first sliding door (hidden from view in FIGS. 1 and 2) adjacent an inside surface of the fume hood. The first sliding door translates between a closed position, in which the first sliding door blocks the first aperture 240, and an open position, in which the first sliding door leaves the first aperture 240 open. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the first sliding door in the open position. When the first sliding door is in the open position, the first enclosed work area E₁ may be accessed by a crane (not shown), overhead cable (not shown), or other means.

The fume hood 200 further includes a second sliding door 300 adjacent an inside surface of the fume hood. The second sliding door 300 translates between a closed position, in which the second sliding door 300 blocks the second aperture 250, and an open position, in which the second sliding door 300 leaves the second aperture 250 open. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the second sliding door 300 in the closed position. When the second sliding door 300 is in the closed position, it blocks access to an interior of the fume hood and to the first enclosed work area E₁. Additionally, fumes are blocked from exiting the second aperture 250.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the sliding door 300. In one embodiment, the first sliding door is substantially the same as the second sliding door. The illustrated sliding door 300 is an L-shaped sliding door having a lower portion 310 that is substantially parallel to the front wall 220 of the fume hood 200. The sliding door 300 further includes an upper portion 320 that is substantially perpendicular to the lower portion 310. The upper portion 320 is also substantially parallel to the ceiling 210 of the fume hood 200. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the sliding door may have any shape that corresponds to a shape of a fume hood. For example, a fume hood with a tapered front may not include a front wall. In such an embodiment, the sliding door may be a planar sliding door.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding door 300 has a width of 24 inches (61 centimeters), a height of 38 inches (97 centimeters), and a depth of 48 inches (122 centimeters). The sliding door 300 also has a thickness of 1 inch (3 centimeters). In alternative embodiments, the sliding door may have a width between 4-72 inches (10-183 centimeters), a height between 4-100 inches (10-254 centimeters), and a depth between 4-100 inches (10-254 inches). Additionally, the sliding door may have a thickness between 0.5-3 inches (1-10 centimeters). However, such dimensions should not be taken as limiting, as the door may have any dimension needed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 310 of the sliding door 300 includes an upper through hole 330 that extends from a left side to a right side of the sliding door 300. The lower portion 310 of the sliding door 300 further includes a lower through hole 340 that also extends from a left side to a right side of the sliding door 300. The upper and lower through holes 330, 340 are substantially parallel to the bottom edge of the sliding door 300.

FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of a frame 400 for the fume hood 200. In this embodiment, the frame 400 receives sheet material that forms the fume hood 200. However, it should be understood that the fume hood may be constructed without a frame.

The rear of the frame 400 of the fume hood 200 includes a first flange 410 and a second flange 420. The first and second flanges 410, 420 may be configured for connection with a duct (not shown) by any known connection method, including, without limitation, a snap fit, a threaded fit, a press fit, or a connection by fasteners. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the fume hood does not include flanges.

FIG. 4B is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 4A, indicated by circle B. As can be seen in both FIGS. 4A and 4B, a first upper rod 430 and a first lower rod 440 are disposed on an interior side of the frame 400 of the fume hood 200, adjacent the first aperture 240. The first upper rod 430 is received by the upper through hole 330 of the sliding door 300 and the first lower rod 440 is received by the lower through hole 340 of the sliding door 300. The first upper and lower rods 430, 440 act as guide members, such that the sliding door 300 slides or translates along the first upper and lower rods 430, 440. It should be understood that bearings or lubricant may be employed to aid in the sliding of the door 300 along the first upper and lower rods 430, 440. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the upper and lower rods are disposed on an exterior side of the fume hood. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), rails are disposed on the fume hood instead of rods. In such an embodiment, the through holes of the sliding door may be omitted.

A first hydraulic cylinder 450 is also disposed on an interior side of the frame 400 of the fume hood 200. The first hydraulic cylinder 450 is connected to the sliding door 300 and is an actuator configured to move the sliding door 300 between the open position and the dosed position. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the hydraulic cylinder is located on an exterior side of the fume hood. It should also be understood that other actuators may be employed instead of a hydraulic cylinder. Other exemplary actuators include, without limitation, pneumatic cylinders, gas springs, and ball-screw actuators.

The first hydraulic cylinder 450 is connected to a controller (not shown) that allows an operator to control the movement of the hydraulic cylinder 450. The controller may be located on a wall W of the workstation 100. In one embodiment, the controller is a toggle that allows the operator to choose between the open position and the closed position. In other embodiments, the controller may allow the operator to select the speed and direction of the movement of the hydraulic cylinder 450. Exemplary controllers include, without limitation, buttons, switches, dials, knobs, keypads, and touch screens.

As can be seen in FIG. 4A, a second upper rod 460, a second lower rod 470, and a second hydraulic cylinder 480 are disposed on an interior side of the frame 400 of the fume hood 200, adjacent the second aperture 250. In the illustrated embodiment, these components are substantially the same as the respective first upper rod 430, first lower rod 440, and first hydraulic cylinder 450. However, it should be understood that any of the alternative components discussed above may also be employed.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fume hood 500, while FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of a frame 600 for the fume hood 500.

The fume hood 500 and frame 600 are substantially the same as the fume hood 200, except with a single aperture 510 and a single sliding door (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the fume hood 500 is a rectangular cuboid. However, it should be understood that the fume hood 500 may have a circular or oval base, a triangular base, or a base of any geometric shape. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the fume hood has a tapered front. In other alternative embodiments, the fume hood may have tapered sides or a tapered rear.

The fume hood 500 may be employed on a work station (not shown) having a single enclosed work area. Alternatively, the fume hood 500 may be employed over a first enclosed work area of a work station having multiple enclosed work areas.

While FIGS. 1-6 illustrate fume hoods having one or two apertures and sliding doors, it should be understood that fume hoods having three or more apertures and associated sliding doors may also be employed.

In the above described embodiments, the ceiling, walls, and doors of the fume hoods are constructed of steel. In other embodiments, the ceiling, walls, and doors are constructed of aluminum, other metal, a polymeric material, or a polymer-metal composite. The ceiling, walls, and doors may each be constructed of the same or a different material. The material may also be a sound dampening material. In one particular embodiment, the ceiling, walls, and doors are constructed of a composite of polyethylene and aluminum. Such composite material is commercially available under the brand names DIBOND and ALUCOBOND.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosure, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept. 

1. A fume hood configured to be connected to a work station having a plurality of walls, the fume hood comprising: a ceiling; a plurality of walls, including a front wall having at least one aperture disposed therein that extends into the ceiling; at least one guide member disposed on the fume hood; at least one door having a first portion substantially parallel to the ceiling and a second portion substantially parallel to the front wall, the at least one door being configured to translate along the at least one guide member; and at least one actuator configured to move the at least one door between an open position and a closed position.
 2. The fume hood of claim 1, wherein the front wall has a first aperture and a second aperture disposed therein, wherein each of the first aperture and second aperture extends into the ceiling.
 3. The fume hood of claim 2, wherein the at least one door includes a first door configured to block the first aperture and a second door configured to block the second aperture.
 4. The fume hood of claim 3, wherein the at least one actuator includes a first actuator connected to the first door and a second actuator connected to the second door.
 5. The fume hood of claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture disposed in the front wall has a width between 4-72 inches (10-183 centimeters), a height between 4-100 inches (10-254 centimeters), and a depth between 4-100 inches (10-254 inches).
 6. The fume hood of claim 1, wherein the ceiling is substantially perpendicular to each of the plurality of walls.
 7. The fume hood of claim 1, wherein the plurality of walls includes a first side wall, a second side wall, and a rear wall.
 8. The fume hood of claim 1, wherein the at least one guide member includes an upper rod and a lower rod, and the at least one door includes an upper through hole configured to receive the upper rod and a lower through hole configured to receive the lower rod.
 9. A fume hood comprising: a plurality of walls; a ceiling substantially perpendicular to a first wall of the plurality of walls; an L-shaped sliding door having a lower portion substantially parallel to the first wall and an upper portion substantially perpendicular to the lower portion; and at least one actuator configured to move the L-shaped sliding door between an open position and a closed position.
 10. The fume hood of claim 9, wherein the L-shaped sliding door blocks an opening in the fume hood when it is in the closed position, thereby blocking access to an interior of the fume hood.
 11. The fume hood of claim 10, further comprising a second L-shaped sliding door having a lower portion substantially parallel to the first wall and an upper portion substantially perpendicular to the lower portion.
 12. The fume hood of claim 11, wherein the second L-shaped sliding door blocks a second opening in the fume hood when the second L-shaped sliding door is in the closed position, thereby blocking access to an interior of the fume hood.
 13. The fume hood of claim 9, wherein the L-shaped sliding door is configured to slide on rods.
 14. The fume hood of claim 9, wherein the L-shaped sliding door is configured to slide on rails.
 15. The fume hood of claim 9, wherein the plurality of walls and the ceiling are constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, other metal, a polymeric material, and a polymer-metal composite.
 16. A fume hood configured to be connected to a work station having a plurality of walls, the fume hood comprising: a ceiling; a plurality of walls, wherein at least one of the ceiling and the plurality of walls has an opening disposed therein that corresponds to an opening in a wall of the work station; a sliding door; at least one guide member; and means for moving the sliding door between a closed position and an open position, wherein the sliding door blocks the opening in the closed position, and wherein the sliding door is spaced from the opening in the open position.
 17. The fume hood of claim 16, wherein the ceiling and the plurality of walls form a tapered front.
 18. The fume hood of claim 16, wherein the ceiling and the plurality of walls form a cuboid.
 19. The fume hood of claim 16, wherein the opening is disposed in the ceiling and one of the plurality of walls.
 20. The fume hood of claim 19, wherein the opening extends to a bottom of the one of the plurality of walls. 